Rotatable attachment assembly for vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

A vacuum bag attachment assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing member connectable to the vacuum cleaner. A locking handle is movably connected to the housing member and movable between first and second positions. An opening in the locking handle receives a fitting of a vacuum bag. Moving the locking handle between the first and second positions connects and disconnects the vacuum bag and the attachment assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachment assembly for securing avacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to an attachment assembly having a locking handle movable from afirst position to a second position to secure the vacuum bag to theattachment assembly. Still more particularly, the present inventionrelates to an attachment assembly in which a locking handle is rotatedbetween first and second positions to secure a vacuum bag to theattachment assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By-pass motor-style vacuum cleaners dispose a vacuum bag in front of amotor in the direction of a generated air flow. The vacuum bag and motorare typically disposed in a housing. The vacuum bag is typically adisposable bag that collects dust and dirt during operation of thevacuum cleaner, and is disposed of when full and replaced with a newbag. The vacuum bag is removed from the housing when the vacuum bag isreplaced.

A conventional handheld vacuum cleaner 1, which is a by-pass motor-stylevacuum cleaner, is shown in FIG. 1. A generated air flow providessuction at a first end of the air hose 2. The second end of the air hose2 is connected to an outer cap 3, which is connected to the housing 4. Avacuum bag is disposed within the housing 4 and connected to the outercap 3. A motor is disposed in the housing 4 rearward (in the directionof the air stream) of the vacuum bag.

Because the vacuum bag is disposable, it must be economical to produce.The vacuum bag should also be sufficiently durable to permit it to beinstalled and removed without damage. It should also provide aconnecting and sealing structure for connecting the vacuum bag to thedirt-laden intake of the vacuum cleaner that is easily installed andprovides a reliable seal, thereby protecting the components disposed inthe vacuum housing.

A user of the vacuum cleaner may dispose of the vacuum bag, which is theprimary filter, and forget to replace it with a new vacuum bag. Thevacuum cleaner will still operate, but the collected dust and debriswill be discharged into the housing. This results in unwanted dust anddebris in the housing and can damage the housing as well as other partsof the vacuum cleaner. Additionally, the dust and debris may exit thehousing and be returned to the environment from which it was collected.Accordingly, a need exists for a device that warns a user that a vacuumbag has not been properly installed.

Locking mechanisms for vacuum bags currently exist. However, indicationof the absence of a vacuum bag is not made until just prior toattempting to operate the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, a need exists fora visual indication visible from a distance that a vacuum bag has notbeen properly installed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An attachment assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention allows a vacuum bag to be quickly and easilyconnected. A locking handle is moved from a first position to a secondposition to secure a vacuum bag to the attachment assembly.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the housing is prevented from being closed when a lockinghandle of the attachment assembly is in a first position. Duringinstallation of the vacuum bag, the locking handle is moved from thefirst position to the second position. In the second position, thelocking handle no longer prevents the housing from being closed. Theuser can then close the housing and operate the vacuum cleaner.

Objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, taken inconjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,”“lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptorsare intended to facilitate the description of the attachment assembly,and are not intended to limit the structure of the attachment assemblyto any particular position or orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above aspects and features of the present invention will be moreapparent from the description for an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention taken with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art handheld vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating attachment assemblyfor a handheld vacuum cleaner in accordance with a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotating attachmentassembly showing shoulders of an outer cap that limit rotation of alocking ring;

FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotating attachmentassembly showing a flex arm of a locking ring and corresponding detentsof a retaining ring that generate audible and tactile indicia;

FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotating attachmentassembly showing a recess of the locking handle;

FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the locking handle andthe locking ring showing the teeth of the locking ring;

FIG. 7 is an exploded front perspective view of the lock ring lever andthe locking ring showing the recess of the locking handle;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the rotating attachment assembly ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the rotating attachment assembly ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assemblyof FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assemblyof FIG. 2 prior to receiving a vacuum bag;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assemblyof FIG. 2 after receiving a vacuum bag;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the rotating attachment assemblyof FIG. 2 prior to being connected to a housing;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the rotating attachment assemblyof FIG. 13 prior to being connected to the housing;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the rotating attachment assemblyof FIG. 2 showing the attachment assembly being prevented from beingconnected to the housing with the handle in a first position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view in cross section of a rotatingattachment assembly in an unlocked for a canister vacuum cleaner inaccordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view in cross section of the rotatingattachment assembly of FIG. 16 in a locked position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rotating attachment assembly ofFIG. 16 in a locked position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rotating locking assembly of FIG.16 in an unlocked position;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the vacuum bag prior to engaginga bracket of a base of a canister vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the vacuum bag prior to engagingthe bracket of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the vacuum bag secured to thebracket of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged front perspective view of the vacuum bag fittingand bracket of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged front perspective view of the vacuum bag fittingand bracket of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged front perspective view of the vacuum bag fittingand bracket of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a rotating attachment assemblyfor a canister vacuum cleaner in accordance with a third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the rotating locking assembly ofFIG. 26 with a vacuum bag attached to a cover of the vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the rotating locking assembly ofFIG. 26 with the cover being moved to a closed position; and

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the closed vacuum cleaner.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

A locking assembly for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-29. The lockingassembly quickly and easily secures a vacuum bag thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 1-15, an attachment assembly 41 for a vacuum cleaner11 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment includes a lockinghandle 51, a locking ring 61 and a retaining ring 71. The retaining ring71 is fixedly secured to an outer cap or housing member 13, which issecured to the vacuum cleaner 11. The locking handle 51 and locking ring61 are movably disposed between the retaining ring 71 and the outer cap13. The locking ring 61 is engaged by the locking handle 51 such thatmovement of the locking handle 51 results in movement of the lockingring 61.

A vacuum bag 21, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,649 andthat is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, includes acontainer portion 23 having an opening therein, as shown in FIG. 11. Anexemplary vacuum bag 121 is shown in FIGS. 20-22. Although shown ashaving a substantially rectangular shape in FIGS. 20-22, the vacuum bag21 may have any suitable shape. The container portion 23 may be made ofa flexible and porous material, such as paper, non-woven material, wovenmaterial, or a combination thereof. The opening is formed in thecontainer portion 23 for the intake of dust and debris from a vacuumcleaner. The opening can be formed in any suitable location of thecontainer portion 23.

A fitting, or collar, 31 is attached to the container portion 23 of thevacuum bag 21, as shown in FIG. 11. The fitting 31 can be attached tothe vacuum bag 21 in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive orthermo bonded. The fitting 31, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, includes acylindrical portion 33 extending outwardly from a base 35. A fittingopening 37 extends completely through the cylindrical portion 33 and thebase 35 of the fitting 31. The fitting 31 is secured to the vacuum bag21 such that the fitting opening 37 is in communication with the openingin the container portion 23. The fitting 31 is preferably made of asubstantially rigid material, such as plastic, metal, cardboard,fiberboard or a combination thereof. Preferably, an outer surface 36 ofthe cylindrical portion 33 has a plurality of threads 34 to facilitateengaging the locking ring 61. An inner surface 38 of the cylindricalportion 33 has axially extending guide rails 39 to facilitate engagementwith the outer cap 13. Preferably, a pair of guide rails 39 arediametrically opposed on the inner surface 38 of the cylindrical portion33 of the fitting 31. The engagement of the guide rails 39 with grooves42 of the outer cap 13 substantially prevent rotation of the vacuum bag21 when being connected to and disconnected from the vacuum cleaner 11.

The vacuum cleaner 11 includes a body or housing 12, as shown in FIGS.13-15, that receives the vacuum bag 21. The outer cap 13 is secured tothe housing 12 of the vacuum cleaner 11 to enclose the vacuum bag 21therein. The motor (not shown) is disposed within the housing 12downstream of the vacuum bag 21 in the air flow direction.

The locking handle 51 has an inner surface 52 facing the locking ring 61and an outer surface 53 facing the retaining ring 71, as shown in FIGS.2-4. An opening 54 extends through the locking handle 51 from the innersurface 52 to the outer surface 53. A handle 55 extends outwardly andaway from the opening 54 to facilitate grasping by a user. A flexiblearm 87 is formed in an outer edge 88 of the locking handle 51, as shownin FIG. 6.

The locking ring 61 has a base 62 with a cylindrical portion 63extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in FIG. 2. The cylindricalportion 63 has an inner surface 64 and an outer surface 65. An opening66 extends completely through the cylindrical portion 63 and the base 62of the locking ring 61. The inner surface 64 of the cylindrical portion63 of the locking ring 61 preferably has a plurality of threads 67 tofacilitate engagement with the threads 34 disposed on the outer surface36 of the cylindrical portion 33 of the vacuum bag fitting 31, as shownin FIG. 6. A tab 68 extends outwardly from an outer edge 69 of the base62 and has a first end 93 and a second end 94.

The retaining ring 71 has an inner surface 72 facing the locking handle51 and an outer surface 73 facing away from the locking handle 51, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 4. An opening 74 extends through the retaining ring71 from the inner surface 72 to the outer surface 73. A first mountingear 75 extends outwardly from the retaining ring 71 away from theopening 74 therein. A fastener hole 76 in the mounting ear 75 receives afastener 77 to secure the retaining ring 71 to the outer cap 13.Preferably, a second mounting ear 78 extends outwardly from theretaining ring 71 and away from the opening therein, and isdiametrically opposed to the first mounting ear 75. A fastener hole 79in the second mounting ear 78 receives a fastener 80 to furtherfacilitate securing the retaining ring 71 to the outer cap 13. A wall 89extends rearwardly from the inner surface 72 of the retaining ring 71,as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. First and second detents 91 and 92 are spaceapart on an inner surface 90 of the retaining ring wall 89.

A plurality of teeth 81 are disposed on the outer surface 65 of thecylindrical portion 63 of the locking ring 61, as shown in FIG. 6. Theteeth 81 extend circumferentially along a portion of the cylindricalportion 63 proximal the base 62. Preferably, the teeth 81 are offsetfrom the tab 68.

A groove 82 extends circumferentially in the rear surface 52 of thelocking handle 51 proximal the opening 54, as shown in FIG. 7. Thearcuate length of the groove 82 is substantially equivalent to thearcuate distance from the first tooth 83 to the last tooth 84. First andsecond shoulders 85 and 86 are formed at ends of the groove 82. Thefirst shoulder 85 is engaged by the first tooth 83 and the secondshoulder 86 is engaged by the second tooth 84 such that rotation of thelocking handle 51 rotates the locking ring 61.

The outer cap or housing member 13 has an opening 14 extending from anouter surface 15 to an inner surface 16, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. A wall17 extends rearwardly from the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13.First and second posts 95 and 96 extend rearwardly from the innersurface 16 of the outer cap 13 to receive fasteners 77 and 80 to securethe locking ring 61 thereto. First and second posts 95 and 96 extendrearwardly from the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13 to receivefasteners 77 and 80 to secure the locking ring 61 thereto. First andsecond shoulders 18 and 19 in the wall 17 limit the rotational movementof the locking ring 61 when the locking ring 61 is connected to theouter cap 13. A projection 20 extends rearwardly from the inner surface16 of the outer cap 13 and is disposed within the wall 17, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. A groove 42 extends longitudinally along an outer surfaceof the projection 20. Preferably, a pair of grooves 42 are diametricallyopposed and extend longitudinally along the outer surface of theprojection 20. Tabs 28 disposed on the outer cap 13 facilitateconnecting the outer cap to the vacuum cleaner body 12.

The locking handle 51, locking ring 61, mounting plate 71 and outer cap13 are made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to,plastic, such as ABS, polycarbonate and PC/ABS plastic.

Assembly and Operation

The attachment assembly 41 is pre-assembled prior to being connected tothe vacuum cleaner 11, as shown in FIGS. 8-10 and 12-14. The lockingring 61 is connected to the locking handle 51 such that the locking ringteeth 81 are received by the locking handle groove 82, as shown in FIGS.6 and 7. The retainer ring 71 is then connected to the locking handle 51such that the outer edge 88 of the locking handle 51 is received withinthe wall 89 of the retaining ring. Fasteners 77 and 80 are insertedthrough the mounting ears 75 and 78 to secure the retaining ring 71 tothe outer cap 13 with the locking handle 51 and locking ring 61 movablydisposed therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The attachment assembly41 surrounds the projection 20 such that there is a gap between theattachment assembly 41 and the projection 20 of the outer cap 13. Thegap is formed between the outer surface of the projection 20 and theinner surface 64 of the locking ring 61, as shown in FIG. 10, to receivethe vacuum bag collar 31.

As shown in FIG. 10, the handle 55 of the locking handle 51 is in afirst position when the vacuum bag 21 is not connected to the attachmentassembly 41. The second shoulder 94 of the locking ring 61 abuts theshoulder 19 of the wall 17 of the outer cap 13. The second shoulder 94prevents further counter-clockwise rotation of the handle 55, as shownin FIGS. 3 and 10. Indicia on the inner surface 16 of the outer cap 13indicates that the first position of the handle 55 corresponds to aposition in which the vacuum bag 21 is not connected, i.e., “bag off.”

To connect the vacuum bag 21 to the attachment assembly 41, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the vacuum bag fitting 31 is connected to theattachment assembly 41 by inserting the cylindrical portion 33 of thefitting 31 in the gap between the outer surface of the outer capprojection 20 and the inner surface 64 of the locking ring 61 in adirection indicated by arrow 97. The guide rings 39 of the vacuum bagfitting 31 engage grooves 42 on the outer surface of the outer capprojection 20 to facilitate movement of the vacuum bag fitting 31 as itis threadably connected to the locking ring 61.

When the vacuum bag fitting 31 is initially connected to the attachmentassembly 41, as shown in FIG. 10, the handle 55 is in the firstposition. The locking handle flexible arm 87 is received in the seconddetent 92 of the retainer ring 71, thereby preventing accidentalrotation of the handle 55. The locking handle 51 is then moved to thesecond position, as shown in FIG. 12, by rotating the handle 55 in aclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow 98. Rotating the handle 55in the clockwise direction overcomes the force exerted by the seconddetents 92 on the flexible arm 87, thereby allowing the locking handle51 to rotate, as shown in FIG. 12. The plurality of teeth 81 of thelocking ring 61 are received by the groove 82 of the locking handle 51such that the locking ring 61 rotates with the locking handle 51. Thefirst tooth 83 of the locking ring 61 abuts the first shoulder 85 of thegroove 82 of the locking handle 51 to rotate the locking ring 61 withthe locking handle. Rotation of the locking handle 51 is stopped whenthe first shoulder 93 of the locking ring 61 abuts the first shoulder 18of the wall 17 of the outer cap 13.

The rotation of the locking ring 61 results in inward axial movement ofthe vacuum bag fitting 31, thereby securing the vacuum bag 21 to theouter cap 13, as shown in FIG. 12. The guide rings 39 of the vacuum bagfitting 31 are received in the grooves 42 of the outer cap projection20, thereby substantially preventing rotation of the vacuum bag fitting31, and thus the vacuum bag 11, during connection and disconnection. Theflexible arm 87 is received by the first detent 91 (FIG. 5) tofacilitate maintaining the handle 55 in the second position. Themovement of the flexible arm 87 into the first detent provides a tactileand audible indication to the user that the vacuum bag fitting 31 isconnected to the attachment assembly 41. Indicia on the inner surface 16of the outer cap 13 indicates that the second position of the handle 55corresponds to a position in which the vacuum bag 21 is connected, i.e.,“bag on.” The attachment assembly 41 can now be connected to the vacuumcleaner 11 to close the housing 12 so the vacuum 11 can be properlyoperated.

A stop member 99 can extend outwardly from the vacuum cleaner housing12, as shown in FIG. 13. The outer cap 13 of the attachment assembly 41is connected to the housing 12 such that the outer cap tabs 28 engagecorresponding recesses 29 in the vacuum cleaner housing 12. The outercap 13 is then rotated in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 13, toclose the housing 12 and secure the outer cap 13 thereto. When the outercap 13 is connected to the housing 12 with the handle 55 in the firstposition, i.e., no vacuum bag connected, the handle 55 engages the stopmember 99 of the vacuum cleaner housing 12, thereby preventing the outercap 13 from being secured to the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 15. Thehandle 55 contacts the stop member 99 to prevent rotation of the outercap 13 in the direction indicated by arrow 46 to secure the outer cap 13to the housing 12. Thus, the user is made aware that the vacuum bagneeds to be connected to the attachment assembly 41 and operation of thevacuum cleaner 11 without a vacuum bag is prevented. When the vacuum bag21 is attached to the attachment assembly 41 such that the handle 55 isin the second position, the stop member 99 does not interfere withmovement of the handle such that the outer cap 13 can be secured to thehousing 12 and the vacuum cleaner 11 operated. The handle 55 in thesecond position is located counter-clockwise of the position of thehandle shown in FIG. 15 such that the outer cap 13 is secured to thehousing 12 before the handle 55 engages the stop member 99. The hose 2(FIG. 1) can now be connected to the outer caps 13 for operating thevacuum cleaner 11.

To remove the vacuum bag 21 from the vacuum cleaner 11, theabove-described process is performed in reverse. The outer cap 13 isrotated counter-clockwise to remove the attachment assembly 41 from thevacuum cleaner 11. The handle 55 is rotated counter-clockwise to rotatethe vacuum bag fitting 31 away from the locking ring 61. The flexiblearm 87 is received by the second detent 92 to provide a tactile andaudible indication that the vacuum bag 21 can be removed. The secondshoulder 94 of the locking ring 61 engages the second shoulder 19 of thewall 17 of the outer cap 13 to prevent further counter-clockwiserotation of the handle 55. The last tooth 84 of the locking ring 61engages the second end 86 of the groove such that the locking ring 61rotates with the locking handle 51. When the handle 55 returns to thesecond position, the vacuum bag 21 can be removed from the attachmentassembly. The used vacuum bag 31 can be discarded and a new vacuum bagattached as described above.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

An attachment assembly 141 for a canister vacuum cleaner 101 inaccordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present inventionis shown in FIGS. 16-25. A vacuum bag 121 is connected to a base or body102 of a canister vacuum cleaner 101, as shown in FIGS. 20-25.

The canister vacuum cleaner includes the base 102 and a cover 103hingedly connected thereto. A cavity 104 is formed between the base 102and the cover 103 to receive the vacuum bag 121.

The vacuum bag 121 is substantially similar to the vacuum bag 21 of thefirst exemplary embodiment. A pair of mounting arms 132 and 133 extendoutwardly from a container portion 123 of the vacuum bag 121.Preferably, the mounting arms 132 and 133 are diametrically opposed onopposite sides of a vacuum bag fitting 131. Preferably, the mountingarms 132 and 133 are substantially U-shaped.

A mounting member 181 is connected to the base 102 of the vacuum cleaner101, as shown in FIGS. 20-22. A base member 182 of the mounting member181 has a substantially arcuate portion 183 configured to receive thevacuum bag fitting 131. A pair of mounting posts 184 and 185 extend fromends of the arcuate portion 183, as shown in FIGS. 20-25, to receive themounting arms 132 and 133 of the vacuum bag 121. Hooks 186 and 187extend upwardly from ends of the mounting posts 184 and 185 tosubstantially prevent accidental removal of the vacuum bag from themounting member 181. Stop members 188 and 189 are disposed at ends ofthe mounting posts 184 and 185 opposite the hooks 186 and 187 to limitinsertion of the vacuum bag onto the mounting posts of the mountingmember 181.

Connection of the vacuum bag 121 to the base 102 of the vacuum cleaner101 is shown in FIGS. 20-25. The vacuum bag 121 is inserted in thecavity 104 in the vacuum cleaner 101. The fitting 131 is then moved inthe direction indicated by the arrow 191 in FIGS. 20, 21, 23 and 24 toconnect the mounting arms 132 and 133 of the vacuum bag 121 to themounting posts 184 and 185 of the vacuum cleaner 101. The mounting arms132 and 133 slide over the hooks 186 and 187 at the free ends of themounting posts until they abut the stop members 188 and 189, as shown inFIGS. 22 and 25. The mounting arms 132 and 133 are disposed between thehooks 186 and 187 and the stop members 188 and 189, therebysubstantially preventing movement of the vacuum bag while connecting thevacuum bag to the attachment assembly 141 and during operation of thevacuum cleaner 101.

The attachment assembly 141 is connected to the cover 103 of the vacuumcleaner 101, as shown in FIGS. 16-19. The attachment assembly 141 of thesecond exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the attachmentassembly 41 of the first exemplary embodiment and operates in asubstantially similar manner. An opening 142 in the attachment assembly141 receives the fitting 131 of the vacuum bag 121. A locking ring 161is rotatably disposed in the cover 103. The handle 155 is rotatablyconnected to the locking ring 161 such that rotation of the handle 155from the unlock position, i.e., first position, to the lock position,i.e., second position, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, secures the vacuumbag 121 to the attachment assembly. Rotating the handle 155 moves thelocking ring 161 upwardly, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, thereby axiallymoving the fitting 131 of the vacuum bag upwardly into a secureengagement with the attachment assembly 141. The cover 103 of the vacuumcleaner 101 is now secured to the base 102 of the vacuum cleaner 101through the connection between the cover 103 and the vacuum bag and thevacuum bag to the mounting member 181 of the base 102. Rotating thehandle 155 back to the unlock position allows the cover 103 to bepivoted to an open position, as shown in FIG. 20 such that the vacuumbag 121 can be removed and replaced with a new vacuum bag.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

An attachment assembly for a canister vacuum cleaner 201 in accordancewith a third exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 26-29. A vacuum bag221 is connected to a cover or housing member 203 of the canister vacuumcleaner 201.

The canister vacuum cleaner 201 includes a base 202 and the cover 203hingedly connected thereto. A cavity 204 is formed between the base 202and the cover 203 to receive the vacuum bag 221.

The vacuum bag 221 is substantially similar to the vacuum bag 21 of thefirst exemplary embodiment. A pair of mounting arms 232 and 233 extendoutwardly from a container portion 223 of the vacuum bag 221.Preferably, the mounting arms 232 and 233 are diametrically opposed onopposite sides of a vacuum bag fitting 231. A mounting member (notshown) is connected to an inner surface 204 of the cover 203 to receivethe mounting arms 232 and 233 of the vacuum bag 221. Preferably, themounting arms 232 and 233 are snap fit to the mounting member of thecover 203.

Connection of the vacuum bag 221 to the cover 203 of the vacuum cleaner201 is shown in FIGS. 26-29. The vacuum bag 221 is inserted in thecavity 204 in the vacuum cleaner 201. The fitting 231 is then moved inthe direction indicated by the arrow 291 in FIG. 26 to connect themounting arms 232 and 233 of the vacuum bag 221 to the mounting memberof the cover 203 of the vacuum cleaner 101.

The attachment assembly 241 is connected to the cover 103 of the vacuumcleaner 201. The attachment assembly 241 of the third exemplaryembodiment is substantially similar to the attachment assembly 41 of thefirst exemplary embodiment and operates in a substantially similarmanner. An opening 242 in the attachment assembly 241 receives thefitting 231 of the vacuum bag 221. A handle of the attachment assembly241 is rotated from an unlock position, i.e., first position, as shownin FIGS. 28 and 29, to a lock position, i.e., second position, to securethe vacuum bag 221 to the attachment assembly 241. Rotating the handle255 axially moves the fitting 231 of the vacuum bag upwardly into asecure engagement with the attachment assembly 241. Rotating the handle255 back to the unlock position allows the cover 203 to be pivoted to anopen position, as shown in FIG. 26 such that the vacuum bag 221 can beremoved and replaced with a new vacuum bag.

The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are notto be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Thedescription of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention isintended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the presentinvention. Various modifications, alternatives and variations will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are intended to fallwithin the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum bag attachment assembly for a vacuumcleaner, comprising: a housing member connectable to a body of a vacuumcleaner; a locking handle movably connected to said housing member andmovable between first and second positions; and an opening in saidlocking handle for receiving a fitting of a vacuum bag, moving saidlocking handle between said first and second positions securely connectsand disconnects said attachment assembly and the vacuum bag.
 2. Thevacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein a lockingring is connected to said locking handle such that movement of saidlocking handle between said first and second positions rotates saidlocking ring to axially move the vacuum bag fitting toward and away fromsaid locking ring, respectively.
 3. The vacuum bag attachment assemblyaccording to claim 2, wherein a plurality of teeth of said locking arereceived by a recess of said locking handle such that said locking ringrotates with movement of said locking handle.
 4. The vacuum bagattachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein said locking ring isthreaded to threadably engage the vacuum bag fitting.
 5. The vacuum bagattachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein a projection extendsoutwardly from said outer cap to receive said locking handle and saidlocking ring.
 6. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim2, wherein a retaining ring is connected to said housing member tosecure said locking handle and said locking ring between said housingmember and said retaining ring.
 7. The vacuum bag attachment assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein first and second shoulders of said housingmember limit rotation of said locking handle between said first andsecond positions.
 8. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according toclaim 7, wherein a groove on said housing member receives correspondingguide rails on the vacuum bag fitting to substantially prevent rotationof the vacuum bag when being connected to and disconnected from saidattachment assembly.
 9. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said housing member is removably connected to said bodyof said vacuum cleaner.
 10. The vacuum bag attachment assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein said housing member is hingedly connected to saidbody of said vacuum cleaner.
 11. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a vacuumcleaner body; and an attachment assembly connected to said vacuumcleaner body, said attachment assembly including a housing memberconnectable to said vacuum cleaner body; a locking ring rotatablyconnected to said housing member; a locking handle connected to saidlocking ring and rotatable with said locking ring such that movement ofsaid locking handle between first and second positions rotates saidlocking ring; and a retaining ring connected to said housing member tosecure said locking handle and said locking ring between said housingmember and said retaining ring.
 12. The vacuum cleaner according toclaim 11, wherein said vacuum cleaner body includes a stop member suchthat when said locking handle is in said first position said stop memberprevents said outer cap from being fully connected to said vacuumcleaner body and when said locking handle is in said second positionsaid housing member can be fully connected to said vacuum cleaner body.13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein said lockinghandle is moved from said first position to said second position toconnect a vacuum bag to said attachment assembly.
 14. The vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 11, wherein a plurality of teeth of said locking arereceived by a recess of said locking handle such that said locking ringrotates with movement of said locking handle.
 15. The vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 13, wherein said locking ring is threaded to receivea threaded fitting of the vacuum bag.
 16. The vacuum cleaner accordingto claim 13, wherein first and second detents of said retaining ringreceive a flexible arm of said locking ring in said first and secondpositions, respectively, thereby generating tactile and audible indiciathat the vacuum bag is connected or disconnected.
 17. The vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 11, wherein first and second shoulders of saidhousing member limit rotation of said locking handle between said firstand second positions.
 18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11,wherein a projection extends outwardly from said housing member toreceive said attachment assembly.
 19. The vacuum cleaner according toclaim 18, wherein the vacuum bag fitting is receivable between an outersurface of said housing member projection and an inner surface of saidlocking ring.
 20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein saidattachment assembly is connected to said housing member beforeconnecting said housing member to said vacuum cleaner body.
 21. Thevacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 11, wherein saidhousing member is removably connected to said body of said vacuumcleaner.
 22. The vacuum bag attachment assembly according to claim 11,wherein said housing member is hingedly connected to said body of saidvacuum cleaner.
 23. A method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuumcleaner, comprising the steps of connecting a fitting of a vacuum bagwith an attachment assembly of a vacuum cleaner; rotating a lockinghandle of the attachment assembly from a first position to a secondposition to secure the vacuum bag to the attachment assembly; andconnecting the attachment assembly to a body of the vacuum cleaner toenclose the vacuum bag in the vacuum cleaner.
 24. The method ofconnecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 23,further comprising connecting an outer cap of the attachment assembly tothe vacuum cleaner to enclose the vacuum bag in the vacuum cleaner. 25.The method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according toclaim 24, wherein the outer cap is prevented from being fully connectedto the vacuum cleaner body when the locking handle is in the firstposition.
 26. The method of connecting a vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 23, wherein moving the locking handle from the firstposition to the second position rotates a locking ring of the attachmentassembly threadably engaged with the vacuum bag fitting thereby securingthe vacuum bag to the attachment assembly.
 27. The method of connectinga vacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, wherein thevacuum bag is prevented from rotating when connecting the vacuum bagfitting to the attachment assembly.
 28. The method of connecting avacuum bag to a vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, further comprisingpivoting a cover of the attachment assembly to a closed position withrespect to the body of the vacuum cleaner to enclose the vacuum bag inthe vacuum cleaner.
 29. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a vacuum cleanerbody; a vacuum bag having a threaded fitting extending outwardlytherefrom; an attachment assembly connected to a housing member, saidhousing member being connectable to said vacuum cleaner body, saidattachment assembly comprising a locking ring rotatably connectable tosaid housing member; a locking handle connected to said locking ring androtatable with said locking ring such that movement of said lockinghandle between first and second positions rotates said locking ring; anda retaining ring connected to said housing member to secure said lockinghandle and said locking ring between said housing member and saidretaining ring.
 30. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 29, whereinsaid vacuum bag fitting has an inner surface and an outer surface, saidthreads being disposed on said outer surface.
 31. The vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 30, wherein at least one guide rail is disposed onsaid inner surface of said vacuum bag fitting.
 32. The vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 31, wherein said housing member has an outwardlyextending projection to rotatably receive said locking ring, and agroove on an outer surface of said outer cap projection to receive saidat least one guide rail on said vacuum bag fitting thereby substantiallypreventing rotation of said vacuum bag when said vacuum bag threadedfitting engages said attachment assembly.
 33. The vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 29, wherein said housing member is hingedly connectedto said vacuum cleaner body.
 34. The vacuum cleaner according to claim29, wherein said housing member is removably connected to said vacuumcleaner body.